Are the stock catbacks mandrel bent? I have a mandrel bent 2.5" catback, I do not think it is stock, but want to make sure.

 

Can't say for sure. Mine appeared to be mandrel bent but I wasn't paying too much attention when I yanked it for aftermarket. The y-pipe is a press bend for sure. Generally the stock catback's I-pipe diameter is less than 3", that would probably be the easiest way to check.

 

Not a chance as in it is NOT stock? If so good, I am the third owner so someone before me obviously did it.

 

LOL you got me before the edit.

I don't think any manufacturer's offer 2.5" catbacks (unless you're measuring after the muffler), so it could very well be stock. Now that I think about it, I think from the cat to the muffler was indeed mandrel bent, not sure about after that. One sure way is to check for welding marks, usually aftermarket catbacks come in more pieces than the stock one.

 

That's the thing though, it came with a flowmasters 40, and it is completely welded on. The only clamps are for the exhaust pipes. I did not think the stock exhaust was mandrel, but I could be wrong. I will have to check the y-pipe tomorrow, I have stock manifolds too. I am measuring right after the cat by the way.

 

I've still got mine in the basement, it is buried under some stuff but the curves and thing I can see appear to be...the y-pipe also appeared to be...

 

Appeared to be what? And is it the stock one or aftermarket?

 

Appeared to be mandrel bent and they are the stock pieces...

 

I thought the stock cat back was 2.75" mandrel bent stainless steel.

 

agreed

 

post a pic up and well see if it looks stock

 

Stock is 2.75" madrel bent stainless.

The only way i could see a 2.5" system being installed on the car is if it was an exhaust possibly designed for a V6.

 

Is the pipe one big piece from the cat to the muffler? My stock system was mandrel bent too and was one long piece bent in a few places to fit. When i put the new magnaflow system on it was actually a few pieces to make it cheaper to manufacture and ship i suppose...

 

Sounds about right. The aftermarket piece also comes in several pieces to make it easier to install for those doing it in their driveways. Plus you can trim it in various places to make it fit more precisely.

 

Well that sucks, and here I thought I already had an exhaust done for me. Thanks anywho guys.